Shloka 45
Nīti on Friendship (Mitra), Discretion, Restraint, Health-Regimens, Prosperity (Śrī), and Family Dharma
विप्रयोर्विप्रवह्न्योश्च दम्पत्योः स्वामिनोस्तथा / अन्तरेण न गन्तव्यं हयस्य वृषभस्य च
viprayorvipravahnyośca dampatyoḥ svāminostathā / antareṇa na gantavyaṃ hayasya vṛṣabhasya ca
لا يَنبغي أن يمرَّ المرءُ بين برهمنَين، ولا بين نارَين مقدَّستَين، ولا بين زوجَين، ولا بينه وبين سيِّده؛ وكذلك لا يَسيرُ بين حصانٍ وثورٍ.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra, as part of dharma/upachara conduct)
Concept: Maryādā (proper boundaries) and respect for sacred/hierarchical entities; avoid inauspicious transgression of ‘between-ness’.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as harmonizing order (ṛta-like) in society; humility and restraint reduce ego-driven intrusion.
Application: Do not cut between paired sacred/important entities; wait, go around, or request passage—especially between brāhmaṇas, consecrated fires, spouses, one’s master; also avoid passing between a horse and a bull.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: ritual/social pathway (house, village lane, yajna space)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.114 (ācāra rules on movement, respect, and auspicious conduct)
FAQs
This verse teaches ācāra (proper conduct): avoiding the space “between” revered beings or sacred fire preserves respect, ritual purity, and prevents inadvertent offense (aparādha).
Alongside afterlife topics, the Garuda Purana also lays down dharma-based daily disciplines; such etiquette supports a sattvic life that aligns one’s karma with righteous order.
In temples, rituals, or formal settings, avoid cutting between priests, the sacred fire/altar area, a couple performing rites together, or one’s teacher/superior; instead, go around respectfully.